Sidewalk Chalk

Worldwide

Chicago-based ensemble Sidewalk Chalk transcends genre with a wholly original sound that blends elements of jazz, funk, hip-hop, and R&B. As The Chicago Tribune says, “While many bands strive hard for originality, it’s unlikely that any of them could best Sidewalk Chalk.” Comprised of an MC, vocalist, drummer, bassist, keys player, trombonist and trumpeter, Sidewalk Chalk is driven by an internalized, emphatic statement of purpose, evident in the music from their 2017 release, An Orchid Is Born (Ropeadope Records). This powerhouse group has audiences and critics alike abuzz with excitement, “pushing beyond musical convention to create art that will know no shelf life” (last.fm).

From kutx 98.9
Song of The Day: SIDEWALK CHALK: “TRAPPED” (LIVE IN STUDIO 1A)
By: Taylor Wallace
Smooth coffee jazz creamed with truth and experience is the tall order filled by Chicago’s Sidewalk Chalk. Their fourth album An Orchid is Born is the physical embodiment of their growth as a unit and individuals. Realizing that hope and loss are all...

From Richmond Magazine
Q&A: Sidewalk Chalk
By: Briana Thorton
The members of Chicago band Sidewalk Chalk are passionate, energetic and soulful, and, presenting a wide variety of sounds through their live instrumentation (take a listen on their YouTube channel), the group’s music can be described in one simple word: fun.
Sidewalk Chalk uses its platform to speak out about prominent...

From Impose
WEEK IN POP: BLUE of NOON, COTILLON, GOSH!, SIDEWALK CHALK
By: Sjimon Gompers
Available today from the deep groove house of Ropeadope Records, Chicago institution Sidewalk Chalk released their fourth album that embraces the bloom & inspiration to rise up despite any & all harsh conditions. The art of pushing back against the harshest weather is illustrated on...

From Okayplayer
New Music: Stream Sidewalk Chalk’s Wonderful ‘An Orchid Is Born’ Album
By: Kevito
Sidewalk Chalk’s latest-and-greatest is totally worth the listen.
The band, which we’ve been covering extensively the past month or so, has made their fourth full-length album, An Orchid Is Born available for listening. The Chicago-based band has fused together hip-hop, soul, funk and jazz to...

From 2DOPEBOYZ
STREAM SIDEWALK CHALK’S ‘AN ORCHID IS BORN’ ALBUM
By: JES7
Chicago-based Hip-Hop-funk-jazz assembly Sidewalk Chalk came back strong this year, following an absence which lasted nearly five years, and their remarkable return couldn’t have come at a better time.
With the world seemingly in shambles and an authoritarian dictatorship in place, the six-piece band explores an array of...

From Okayplayer
Sidewalk Chalk Preps ‘An Orchid Is Born’ With New Cut “A Suite For Black Lives”
By: Kevito
The Second City’s own Sidewalk Chalk follows up their “keep it real” first effort, “Dig,” with another soulful joint from their fourth full-length album, An Orchid Is Born.
The new cut, “A Suite For Black Lives,” is a #BlackLivesMatters-inspired song which...

From Windy City Live (ABC News)
Sidewalk Chalk performs live at WCL
Sidewalk Chalk is preparing to release their new album called “An Orchid is Born,” which is available on June 2.
Today, the band gave us a preview of the album with a performance of “We Burn You Down.”
Catch Sidewalk Chalk on Saturday night for a free show...

From Okayplayer
Chicago’s Own Sidewalk Chalk Speaks On Current Affairs On “Dig” Video
By: Kevito
Times are pretty wild across the country.
No place is more subject to scrutiny than Chicago, Illinois. The “Second City” has been railed against by President Agent Orange, defended by Chance The Rapper and encouraged by the city’s young creators. Now, in an attempt to...

From Hip Hop Speakeasy
Sidewalk Chalk: Leaves (Album Review)
By: Stone
Hip-hop bands in 2014 are few and far between. Today, the focus relies primarily on the producer and the rapper, both of whom (generally) use but a few, if any instruments to create their music. Thus when an act like Sidewalk Chalk rolls in and creates a pleasantly polished...

From The Chicago Tribune
*Sidewalk Chalk writing its own musical story”
By: Jessica Hopper
While many Chicago bands strive hard for originality, it’s unlikely any of them could best Sidewalk Chalk, the local hip-hop ensemble that features an MC, a jazz vocalist, a big band (replete with a horn section) and tops it with — what else? — a tap...